Grand Baie
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At a glance
- Country
- Mauritius
- Region
- Rivière du Rempart
- Population
- around 10,000
- Best time to go
- May to December
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU)
- Coordinates
- 20.01°S, 57.58°E
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Overview
Grand Baie wraps around a sheltered, turquoise bay on the north coast of Mauritius. It is the island's liveliest resort town, with restaurants, dive shops and bars along the lagoon.
It makes a good base for the north: quieter beaches at Pereybère and Cap Malheureux are a few minutes away, the offshore islets are an easy day on a catamaran, and Port Louis and the botanical garden at Pamplemousses are within reach by road.
Things to see
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Photo: Z thomas, CC BY-SA 4.0 Pereybère beach
A small, sandy public beach just north of town with calm water for snorkelling and food vans parked under the trees.
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Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0 Cap Malheureux
The little red-roofed church by the sea looks across the water to the wedge-shaped island of Coin de Mire.
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Photo: Condem at English Wikipedia, Public domain Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
Giant water lilies, towering palms and old spice trees in a historic garden at Pamplemousses, about twenty minutes inland.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Thierry, CC BY-SA 3.0 Port Louis
The capital's waterfront, busy central market and Chinatown make a lively contrast to beach life, under an hour away.
Things to do
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Photo: Algonkins, Public domain Catamaran trip to the northern islets
Sail out to Île Plate and Île Gabriel for snorkelling, a beach barbecue and a swim in clear lagoon water.
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Scuba diving
Dive centres in the bay run trips to the reefs and wrecks off the north coast.
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Photo: Yoann74, CC BY-SA 4.0 Street food
Try dholl puri, a soft flatbread filled with split peas and curry, from a roadside stall or the snack vans by the beach.
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Photo: Karsten Ratzke, CC0 Sunset at the bay
Find a spot on the public beach in the centre of town as the fishing boats come in and the light turns gold.
Where to stay
Grand Baie centre
Walkable to restaurants, bars and boat trips; best if you want some life in the evenings.
Hotels in Grand Baie centrePereybère
Quieter, with a good beach on the doorstep and plenty of self-catering apartments.
Hotels in PereybèreTrou aux Biches
A long, calm beach to the west with resort hotels, suited to families and couples.
Hotels in Trou aux Biches
Getting around
Buses link Grand Baie with Port Louis and the north coast villages, but most visitors hire a car or use taxis. Agree the fare before you set off.
The airport is in the south-east of the island; a taxi or pre-booked transfer to Grand Baie takes around an hour and a quarter.
When to go
May to December is drier and less humid, with the cooler winter months of June to August bringing breezy days. January to March is hot and wet, and is cyclone season.
Plan your trip to Grand Baie
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.